Water Conservation at Arizona State University

Through technology and refined practices, Arizona State University has reduced its indoor and outdoor water consumption.

Low-flow Fixtures

ASU has reduced water consumption in many buildings around campus through the installation of low-flow water fixtures such as sinks, showers, toilets, and in some buildings, waterless urinals. On average, these efficient appliances use approximately 30 percent less water than their conventional counterparts.

Landscaping Water Conservation

ASU’s campus is Arizona’s largest public arboretum, dedicated in 1990 and committed to proper water management and conservation while educating visitors about the complex ecological systems on earth. Facilities Management has instituted several practices designed to reduce the amount of water used in landscaping on campus. About two-thirds of campus is watered at night to prevent evaporation. An initiative is also underway to automate the remaining systems so that the different plants on campus receive water based on both current weather conditions and a given plant’s evapotranspiration rate. Existing flood irrigation infrastructure has been preserved for future use with a gray water system when practicable.